Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program

Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details

Study a Master of Information Technology/Master of Commerce

Stand out in industry with in-demand skills and expertise across business and IT

This postgraduate degree at Australia’s leading Engineering faculty provides you with the skills to master the technology of today and create the technology of tomorrow.

 

Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Information Technology
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
2 Year(s)

Overview

Organisations across the world are built on Information Technology and the benefits it provides individuals and companies, working more efficiently and maximising productivity. When you work in Information Technology you can build company communication networks, safeguard data and information, create and manage databases and ensure the security of business information. 

When you study the Master of Information Technology at UNSW you’ll learn to foresee future technology requirements and develop applications, frameworks, products and services in areas such as networking, data mining, robotics and internet services.  You'll develop applications, frameworks, products and services for growing areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Key features

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society. You’ll study in a research-intense environment where you’ll be exposed to fundamental knowledge and cutting-edge advances in computing and information processing so you can bring the latest practices into the workforce.

You can choose up to two majors to further develop specialised knowledge tailored to your career. They include: 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

  • Cybersecurity
  • Database Systems 

  • Data Science and Engineering 

  • Information Technology 

  • Internetworking

Why study this degree at UNSW?

The School of Computer Science and Engineering is a leading provider of world class education and research; specialising in education for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School also continues to produce internationally acclaimed research, working closely with industry to provide innovative solutions to the sector.

When you study with us you’ll benefit from: 

  • Studying at Australia’s number one Engineering faculty 

  • UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering’s research is ranked 1st in Australia by the internationally recognised CS Rankings in Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems.

  • Many lecturers within the School are world-renowned researchers in their field   

  • Our School is rated five stars by the Australian Research Council for the research field of Information and Computing Sciences  

  • We leverage our strong industry ties to improve our research, teaching and students’ learning. 

  • Our industry partners include leading companies such as Atlassian, The Commonwealth Bank, Google, Honeywell, Microsoft and WiseTech Global 

Program Code
8543
CRICOS Code
061294J
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
1,638

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Entry requirements

Enrolment in this program requires one of the following: 

  • A three-year undergraduate degree equivalent to a standard Australian bachelor degree in a discipline including at least three mathematics courses (refer to assumed knowledge below), and a minimum 65% average; or
  • Completion of a 3 year BSc in Computer Science or Bioinformatics (or cognate discipline) at UNSW or equivalent, and a minimum 65% average; or
  • Completion of the 5543 UNSW Graduate Diploma in Information Technology, and a minimum 65% average; or
  • Completion of the 7543 UNSW Graduate Certificate in Computing, and a minimum 65% average.

Assumed knowledge

Students are required to have an appropriate background in mathematics from their undergraduate studies – you’ll need to have background knowledge in several of the following areas:

  • Discrete Maths
  • Linear Algebra
  • Engineering Maths
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Probability
  • Actuarial Maths
  • Numerical Methods
  • Vector Algebra

Admission pathways

5543 Information Technology, 7543 Computing

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Admission to this program requires one of the following:

  • A 3-year undergraduate degree equivalent to a standard Australian Bachelor degree in a discipline containing 3 courses of second-year university level mathematics or equivalent, and a minimum 65% average; or
  • Completion of the 5543 UNSW Graduate Diploma in Information Technology with a minimum 65% average; or
  • Completion of the 7543 UNSW Graduate Certificate in Computing with a minimum 65% average.

Assumed knowledge

Students are required to have an appropriate background in mathematics from their undergraduate studies – you’ll need to have background knowledge in several of the following areas:

  • Discrete Maths
  • Linear Algebra
  • Engineering Maths
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Probability
  • Actuarial Maths
  • Numerical Methods
  • Vector Algebra

Admission pathways

5543 Information Technology, 7543 Computing

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Master of Information Technology is a two-year program designed for students who want to obtain an IT qualification. The program is open to students with a background in computing or a related area and to those with no or minimal computing background. 

The aim of this program is to provide students with a broad-based IT education through a range of core courses, and more specialised knowledge in up to two areas, enabling them to work in a range of positions in the IT industry.

At the end of the degree students have the option to complete a capstone or research-based project. 

Full program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

In your first year you'll study a range of core courses to learn the fundamentals of Information Technology to feed into the rest of your degree. Core courses include:

  • Principles of Programming 

  • Data Structures & Algorithms 

  • Database Systems 

  • Computer Networks & Applications 

  • Project Management 

You’ll also start taking courses from your selected specialisations 

In your second year you’ll undertake the remaining courses from your selected specialisations, this will be complemented by a range of computing and non-computing electives. 

At the end of the degree you have the choice to either: 

  • Complete an Information Technology Project where you’ll work in teams to define, implement and evaluate a real-world software system or;

  • A substantial two-part research project under the supervision of an academic staff member

Future careers

Graduates from UNSW’s Master of Information Technology degrees are highly employable, thanks to our strong external partnerships and extensive international alumni networks. This includes valuable industry experience with small start-ups to large companies such as Accenture and the Australian Government Department of Defence.   

You’re able to tailor this degree to suit your career ambitions. You’ll have the knowledge and skills to work in roles such as: 

  • Systems Analyst 

  • Information Systems Manager 

  • IT Security Manager 

  • IT Security Consultant 

  • IT Project Manager 

  • Software Architect

Potential careers

  • IT
  • IS
  • Data scientist
  • Network engineer
  • Software engineer
  • UI/UX designer
  • Systems administration

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Double degrees

Set yourself apart by combining your Master of Information Technology with broad business skills in our Master of Information Technology/Master of Commerce dual master’s degree. 

The program was designed in direct response to both industry and student demand for marrying greater technical skills with business and managerial acumen. 

You'll learn the foundational skills and knowledge that will enable you to present and apply technical solutions across business environments and empower you to take on a more impactful role – both managerial and technical – in both the IT and business industries. 

Gain access to a strong pool of career opportunities with the broad expertise to pursue cutting edge solutions and maximise social impact, whatever your chosen field.  

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2023 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$7,970*

2023 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$16,165*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees  subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply

Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,480*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$72,440*

Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.​

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$47,680*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$96,785*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarship

The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.